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But more importantly, she was a friend when I needed one like no other time in my life. Darkness and isolation are a formula for human disaster, and I shudder at the thought of the outcome had I been truly alone.

She was a hellion onboard and could find more ways to create mischief than I could ever train out of her. To wake me from a dangerously long slumber one day, or night, or whatever you call them when the sun does not shine, she tore up one of my charts. I was not yet quite so crazy as to think she could understand the words of a little poem I wrote for her, but I did hope she would catch the tone and straighten up.

Halifax my cat was furry and fat
Oh a finer companion could not be
We were trapped in the Arctic
My life was so stark it
Had no other warm company
And so side by side
The dark months we did bide
Huddled as bleak blizzards blew
But when the food ran out
At seven pounds or thereabout
She made a fine and filling meat stew.

I promised her that if we made it through that adventure I would take care of her for the rest of her natural life. I did not promise her it would be an easy life. In the years that followed she amassed more sea miles than the average admiral. She sailed the chill winds of the Arctic to the balmy breezes of the South Pacific. She had her narrow escapes. There was that 12-foot crocodile in Panama, and the time she fell overboard at night.  

Sailing boats are small. The incessant proximity can test even the strongest of relationships. When Diana and I retreated to opposite corners of the boat in pouting silence after a perceived slight, Halifax would visit both camps, acting as a referee and bringing us both some comfort.

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	Cruiser Comments 11 Comments Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Cruising World stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms and Conditions. Click here to read the Privacy policy Hi Alvah, I am sorry for your loss but great story. Gotta tell you though, yer not much of a poet.... Poggle 2009-07-27, 6:35 PM My most sincere condolences. We lost Hanako 8 months ago at the age 03 13 years and 2 months, and... manwinkler 2009-07-24, 7:20 AM I can understand the hurt. We lost Spike to cancer 4 years ago. His brother is going strong at 20... chuckval 2009-06-30, 11:04 AM We're so sorry to hear about the passing of Halifax. Reading this has brought tears to my eyes and... moongate 2009-06-30, 7:43 AM We are so sorry to hear about Halifax she was a very brave and courageous cat. We loved reading... beartrace 2009-06-27, 7:45 PM We understood perfectly your loss and you have our sympathy. k7zb 2009-06-27, 5:10 AM Alvah and Diana, What a delightful character Halifax was, and how sorry I am to learn of her... dsassaman 2009-06-26, 2:47 PM So sorry for the loss of your kitty. This was a beautifully written piece that brought tears to my... kirbynew 2009-06-26, 5:40 AM We, Maria and myself, are hailing goodbye to your Halifax of The North, together with Martti-Manuli... martti-manuli 2009-06-26, 5:38 AM What an amazing story. Furkids are like no other. I have 2 small dogs/2 large cats now and love... kmcnich 2009-06-26, 3:33 AM View all comments Post a comment Not a member? Sign up here Already a member? Log in below Username:  Password: